Words by Arnie Hammerman
Found in the 2024 Winter Issue
Looking for a great new place to go cruising? Puget Sound has a lot to offer. This inland arm of the Pacific Ocean covers an area of over 1,000 square miles and is home to numerous islands, bays, and peninsulas. Surrounded by land, the waterways are mostly protected, making this an ideal area for recreational boats of all types and sizes. Natural harbors and anchorages abound, some are pristine, but many have shoreside marinas with services and amenities. There is easy water access to restaurants, resorts, quaint towns, and larger cities where you can see concerts, sporting events, or check out the nightlife. North Puget Sound connects to the San Juan Islands, Canada and beyond to Alaska. South Puget Sound is sometimes overlooked but has great cruising too, typically with calmer weather than further North. If you are seeking a cruising adventure, the Pacific Northwest delivers a unique environment distinct from other areas. Picturesque islands with rocky beaches are lined by orange barked Madrona, and towering pine trees that rise up to rugged mountain peaks. Waters team with wild salmon, Dungeness Crab, oysters, clams, and a myriad of ocean life. Marine mammals abound, with seals, sea lions, otters, dolphins, and whales including endangered local Orcas. In the cool tide-fed waters giant Pacific Octopus lurk unnoticed in the inky deep as you cruise across the surface.
Wherever you choose to go in the Pacific Northwest, there are a host of fantastic cruises that can be easily accomplished. Whether you prefer a short trip around Puget Sound visiting parks, islands, towns and cities or a prolonged adventure into the San Juan Islands and beyond, this experience is both rewarding and fun. If you can’t get your own boat to the area, there are several charter operators with a variety of boats that offer both sail and power options. For those thinking of possibly buying a new Ranger Tug or Cutwater try out their “Factory Delivery Experience.” Buyers take delivery of their new boat in Puget Sound, meet with factory personnel for an orientation, and then take a shakedown cruise aboard. After cruising the Pacific Northwest your boat is shipped to your home port for final delivery……
